Senior Process Engineer

Australian Citizenship RequiredLeading Defence BusinessAttractive Rates 12-Month Contract | Melbourne | Defence & Advanced Technology Are you an experienced Senior Manufacturing, Process or Production Engineer looking for your next challenge in a complex, high-performance environment? We are partnering with a leading organisation operating in the Defence and advanced manufacturing sector to secure a Lead Process Support Engineer. This is an opportunity to join a critical programme supporting the delivery of highly engineered products while leading process improvements, technical problem-solving activities and operational excellence initiatives. This role offers the chance to work with multidisciplinary teams, influence manufacturing performance, and drive continuous improvement across quality, delivery, cost and productivity outcomes. As the Lead Process Support Engineer, you will act as a key technical authority, supporting production operations through process optimisation, root cause investigation and implementation of engineering improvements. You will work closely with manufacturing, quality, supply chain and engineering teams to resolve complex production challenges while leading initiatives that improve efficiency, quality and product performance. Why You'll Love This Role Provide technical leadership and real-time support to manufacturing operationsLead investigations into production issues, non-conformances and quality alertsDrive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality and operational performanceDevelop, implement and improve manufacturing processes, procedures and engineering standardsConduct root cause analysis and corrective action activitiesSupport First Pass Yield and production performance improvementsOversee process validation, testing activities and engineering change implementationReview and improve control plans, PFMEAs and manufacturing documentationCollaborate with quality, supply chain and production teams to achieve programme objectivesMentor and coach engineers, technicians and operational personnel About You You will bring a strong background in manufacturing, production or process engineering environments and have proven experience driving operational improvements. You'll likely possess: Extensive experience in process, manufacturing, production or industrial engineeringStrong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence methodologiesExperience with root cause analysis, problem solving and corrective actionsExposure to quality frameworks including SPC, PFMEA, Control Plans and process validationStrong stakeholder engagement and leadership capabilityExperience supporting complex, safety-critical or regulated manufacturing environmentsExcellent communication and influencing skills What you'll get in return Attractive daily rate contractMelbourne-based opportunityLong-term programme work with strong pipeline visibilityOpportunity to contribute to nationally significant projectsCollaborative and highly skilled engineering environment What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV to Ali.Kavanagh@hays.com.au If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.